City Council Work Session
The meeting, identified as a City Council Work Session, included a public comment period where residents could speak for up to three minutes, though no comments were noted in the provided transcript. The main agenda item discussed was the department strategy presentation from the Community Development Director. This presentation covered the department's mission, structure (including Planning, Economic Development, and Building Permitting/Inspection divisions), and recent accomplishments tied to the Housing Implementation Plan (HIPP). Accomplishments included development code amendments to support affordable housing by scaling lot sizes and providing System Development Charge (SDC) deferrals, adoption of a surplus property policy and Construction Excise Tax (CCT), and the adoption of the Multi-Unit Property Tax Exemption (MUPI). The department maintained its Class 5 rating in the Community Rating System (CRS), resulting in flood insurance reductions. Other agenda points included the adoption of climate-friendly areas (CFAs) and walkable design standards, and the reinitiation of the historic preservation newsletter. Economic development successes included the adoption of a city-wide strategy and the recruitment of industrial users like Bliss Veliscore and Lacamus to the former WR Grace site. The director also discussed ongoing trends such as unfunded state mandates regarding housing and land use, the State of Oregon's new focus on economic development via the Prosperity Roadmap, and the positive early impact of HIPP strategies in producing homes under $350,000. Challenges identified included continued unfunded mandates, employee turnover, and balancing planning for growth. Future items to be addressed include updates to the comprehensive plan, two new city grant programs, and an analysis of planning fees to approach true cost recovery.